BETTING THE FAVORITE
Everything sports wagering
By Sean Chaffin
Just four years ago, the only state Americans could legally place a sports bet in was Nevada. Now just four years after the Supreme Court overturned the virtual ban on legalized sports wagering,31 states and territories (including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico) allow bettors to put a few bucks on an underdog or take a shot at a nice parlay. Four others have legalized and are now just in the regulation process. It may seem unreal to many that the industry has expanded so quickly.
In 2021, Americans wagered $52.7 billion in legal U.S. markets, according to the American Gaming Association. That’s a 179.7% increase from 2020.Casinos and sportsbook operators took $4.33 billion of that and the industry shows few signs that things are cooling off. Other states are considering legalizing as well.
One in five Americans now say they make at least one sports wager a month. Technology has made that easier than ever and estimates show that as many as 80% or more of all legal wagers are made online, many of those right from a bettor’s mobile phone. With so many states legalizing sports betting, many might believe the Nevada market, and Las Vegas in particular, might be suffering. That’s certainly not true and the state recorded a record handle of $8.2 billion in 2021, almost twice the total from 2020 and about $3 billion more than the pre-pandemic total from 2019.
One recent study shows even more women are taking up the hobby. More than 4.6 million women signed up for sportsbook apps in 2021, an increase of more than 115% year over year, according to Maximbet. Sports betting is as popular as ever and that appears to be growing each year. WIth football season right around the corner here are some headlines, tips and information to hit the books this fall.
BOOKING BETS
Numerous sportsbooks have opened across the country over the last few years and here are some of the properties making news in 2022.
Circa Sports Heads to Legends Bay Casino
Las Vegas-based sports betting brand Circa Sports is set to open its first northern Nevada sportsbook at Olympia Gaming’s new Legends Bay Casino in the city of Sparks. The company will bring an ultramodern and technology-forward sportsbook to the property beginning this summer. Players at the property can also enter the Circa Million IV and Circa Survivor pro football contests, promising the largest guaranteed payout ever of $12 million.
“Our team searched for a long time to find a great location for our first northern Nevada outpost, and we have found the perfect fit with Legends Bay,” Circa CEO Derek Stevens said. “The Circa Sports team is honored to be a part of Legends Bay and the exciting new concepts it is bringing to the area. We’re proud to become a part of the community and eager to introduce our brand of hospitality to the market.”
The betting brand is now available to bettors at five properties across southern Nevada as well as mobile betting offerings in Colorado and Iowa, and soon in a temporary book in Waukegan, IL.
New Sportsbooks Heading to Harrah’s New Orleans, Horseshoe Bossier City
Caesars Entertainment recently announced the opening of a modern new Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s New Orleans. The new venue debuts this fall as part of the ongoing $325 million transformation of the property to Caesars New Orleans.
The 5,700-square-foot sportsbook features four betting windows, 12 self-service betting kiosks, a 147-foot video screen, and a state-of-the-art high-powered audio system. In addition to seating for 140 bettors, the multi-display Fan Cave features a private viewing experience for up to 10 people and a bar accommodating 28 more sports fans. Along with the sportsbook, the property is also unveiling a new 5,000-square-foot World Series of Poker room boasting 20 poker tables, the largest in Louisiana. The poker room is located right next to the sportsbook.
Along with the New Orleans, Caesars is also rebuilding its Lake Charles resort to soon reopen as Horseshoe Lake Charles, and is building a new sportsbook at Horseshoe Bossier City.
The company also has local partnerships with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans as well as Louisiana State University. Caesars also has a naming rights deal with the Saints for the Caesars Superdome, home of Super Bowl LIX in 2025.
Ocean Unveils New Book in Atlantic City
Atlantic City sports bettors now have another nice option for making those bets. Ocean Casino Resort officially opened the new The Gallery Bar Book & Games sportsbook in July. The grand opening included some special events including an appearance by former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl champion Barrett Brooks. The official drumline of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Harlem Wizards also joined in the festivities and unveiled a 10-foot-high “The Gallery” sign marking the debut of the new sports hotspot.
The $5.2 million venue features 12,000 square feet of space located in the heart of the casino. The Gallery is a bit unique with a mix of sports betting and casino gambling all in one spot. Bettors can tune in to all the big games at the 100-foot elevated bar and lounge, with 59 seats and 12 slot machines. A mix of blackjack and roulette tables also surround the perimeter of the bar, while 140 feet of LED walls line the venue. A 17-foot open-air staircase connects to The Balcony Bar, a mezzanine cocktail area and lounge where guests can enjoy the ultimate VIP sportsbook experience.
MLB Expands Partnerships
Major League Baseball recently announced the renewal and expansion of the two companies’ partnership, designating MGM as the league’s first official gaming sponsor. Under the renewed, multi-year agreement, BetMGM continues in that role. The deal allows marketing and gaming options across league and team platforms as well as other sponsorship opportunities.
The deal is one of many seen among sportsbooks, leagues and teams in recent years. The MLB-MGM partnership includes data usage in sports betting, promotional opportunities and fan experiences.
Bally’s Becomes an Official Sports Betting Partner of the New York Yankees
Bally’s Corporation announced a marketing partnership designating Bally Bet as an official sports betting partner of the 27-time World Series Champions. This marks Bally’s first sports team partnership in New York after becoming the ninth online sports betting operator in the state in July.
Under the agreement, Bally’s receives use of New York Yankees trademarks and marketing designations as an official sports betting partner (Bally Bet), an official daily fantasy sports partner (Monkey Knife Fight),an official iGaming partner (Bally Casino),and an official free-to-play gaming partner (Bally Play). Bally’s Casino Atlantic City also becomes a proud partner of the New York Yankees.
Marketing benefits for Bally’s inside Yankee Stadium include LED advertising in the following locations: the outfield wall that lines the playing field, field-facing walls on the Main Level bars in left and right field, the Terrace Level ribbon board, and LED boards throughout the Great Hall. “This is a great partnership that will give Bally Bet and our other Bally’s Interactive brands terrific visibility in New York,” says Adi Dhandhania, chief operating officer of Bally’s Interactive North America, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation. “The Yankees’ history as a franchise and their popularity as a global brand speaks for itself.”
“We are excited to begin this partnership with Bally’s,” said Michael J. Tusiani, New York Yankees senior vice president of partnerships. “We hope that their branding in Yankee Stadium along with their in-Stadium customer engagement will greatly strengthen Bally’s overall gaming presence in New York.”
The deal adds to Bally’s growing sports and media footprint. Now in six states, Bally Bet Sportsbook is an Authorized Gaming Operator of Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL),the National Basketball Association (NBA),and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). In addition to the New York Yankees, Bally’s has official sports team partnerships with the NHL’s Nashville Predators, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns
FireKeepers Delivers Action-Packed Sports Betting Experience
Sports betting has been legalized in states around the country and properties are unveiling some great experiences for those heading to the book for a night of wagering fun. FireKeepers Casino, located in Battle Creek, MI, has gone the extra mile with Dacey’s Sportsbook. The facility is one of the best in the country, ranked as the state’s best overall sportsbook in Casino Player’s Best of Gaming.
The book features plenty of betting windows and kiosks as well as much more for a great night out. The venue offers restaurant and bar seating for 125 guests to check out the day’s NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and college action. The mezzanine offers even more seating for 36 guests. With multiple large video screens, sports fans won’t miss any touchdown pass, slam dunk, home run or slap shot. The restaurant offers some tasty appetizers, salads, burgers, pizza and more in a non-smoking atmosphere. Make those picks and place your bets—a night at this property is always a winner no matter which team wins.
Sunshine and Sports Betting
Those looking for a bit of sunshine and perhaps some time in the sportsbook will soon have a new place to check out. The Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale is slated to open in 2023 and will be located directly across from the Stadium Course Clubhouse entrance. The new venue includes 390 seats throughout the interior and exterior spaces.
TPC Scottsdale hosts the PGA Phoenix Open each year and regularly ranks as one of the top public courses in the country. The club, along with the PGA, is also now creating a unique partnership with DraftKings to construct a new sports betting and entertainment complex on site.
The property will feature a high-end dining experience, 3,400 square feet of video walls and screens, a scenic outdoor and patio area with video screens, VIP cabanas and fire pits, 40 sports betting kiosks, seven ticket windows, and more. The deal is a bit unique with a book now located at a golf club and shows just how much sports betting has been embraced by many Americans. The country is beginning to see more betting options beyond traditional casinos. Sports fans are seeing opportunities to bet at stadiums, arenas, and of course, on cell phones, tablets and computers. One of the country’s top golf courses is also now getting in the action.
Circa Goes Big With Sports Betting
Since opening in 2020, not many casinos may have worked more to cater to sports bettors than Circa Resort and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. The resort offers bettors the largest sportsbook experience in the world with three stories of betting bliss. From advanced betting technology and great service to cocktails to great bites to eat, Circa has quickly become one of the most recognizable brands in the industry.
If that experience wasn’t great enough, the property ramped up the sports betting love even more with Stadium Swim. The massive aquatic center offers six pools on three different levels with a ginormous 143-foot high-definition screen. The entire facility is an oasis for sun lovers and bettors alike, showing every game and allowing players to bet on site or via the Circa Sports mobile app.
The creation of casino mogul and developer Derek Stevens, Circa- themed sportsbooks have also been opened at some of his other properties including the Golden Gate and D Las Vegas. Circa also continues adding sportsbooks at other casinos around Nevada and in other states as well. The company continues ramping up Circa offerings each summer with football handicapping contests paying out millions of dollars each season. With football kickoff only weeks away, a visit to Circa might be in order.
Ultimate Fantasy Fun: Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook Makes Football Drafts Special
Football season is back and for many Americans that also means fantasy football. For those serious about their games or just looking for a fun night out, the FanDuel Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun is going deep with a complete gridiron experience. The property’s Next-Level Draft Party offers up to 30 players to get in on the fun. Reservations are available from Aug. 14 to Sept. 5. Football fans can pick from two exclusive Next-Level Draft packages for their league’s big day. The Elite Fantasy Football Hotel Package includes an overnight stay, reserved seating at the sportsbook, and a $50 food and beverage credit. The Platinum Fantasy House Package offers reserved mezzanine seating for groups up to 30 in the sportsbook, a $150 food and beverage credit, and fun swag for league members. The draft parties offer much more than just a draft board.
The sportsbook features 11,000 square feet with mezzanine seating,220 luxury seats, a full dining menu, an immersive 140-foot- wide high-definition video wall, 39 easy-to-use self-betting kiosks, and live betting windows. Mohegan Sun offers a chance at a fantasy draft like no other and those interested are asked to email groupbanquetexecs@mohegansun.com for more information.
